Method of and means for making hat bodies



June 23, 1953 e. 'r. BIRD'SALL ws'moo OF AND MEANS FOR MAKING HAT BODIES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 21, 1950 11 II I... I t:

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3nventor Geo/ye T Bzk cisa Z Z/ um 23, 1953 e. T. BIRDSALL METHQD OF AND MEANS FOR MAKING HAT BODIES 3; Sheets-Sheet 2.

Filed June) 21, 1950 xmw mmN RQN mQ Sc mmw M MR QM mww N.

SQN NNN m9 NMM mww w .w i w June23, 1953 G. T. BIRDSALL METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR MAKING HAT BODIES Filed June 21. 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IS maentor w dsqZ Z Gttornegs Gene Patented June 23, 1953 METHOD OFAND MEANS FOR MAKING HAT BODIES George T. Birdsall, Bethel, Conn.

Application June 21, 1950, Serial No. 169,477

28 Claims.

This invention relates to methods and machines for making felt hat bodies.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved method 7 of making a felt hat body, which is extremely simple to carry out and does not require a high degree of skill on the part of the operator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method of making hat bodies according to the foregoing, which produces work of high, uniform quality.

In accomplishing these objects there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a novel method involving the steps of disposing and supporting a predetermined amount of fur merely in a substantially flat layer, preferably horizontal, agitating or working said fur and simultaneously applying hot water to the fur whereby it is compacted and loosely felted into a flat pad. Thereafter, opposite pressures are applied respectively to outer and center portions of said pad and it is agitated or Worked and also further subjected to hot water. Preferably the pressures are intermittent, as distinguished from steady, and said pressures when properly applied, together with the agitation and action of the hot water, produce the well-known crown shape to the center portion of the pad, thus forming a hat body.

Preferably the hot water is applied to the underside of the pad and a suction created at the top side, causing the water to be continually sucked upward through the pad, and withdrawing the water vapors.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of simple and reliable construction, for carrying out the above methods of the invention.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus as set forth, which is to a large extent automatic in its operation whereby a minimum amount of labor is required.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus in accordance with the foregoing, which has a high productive capacity.

In accomplishing the foregoing objects relating to the apparatus of the invention, I provide a plurality of fur-processing units arranged side by side, and a traveling fur-supply unit adapted to cooperate individually and sequentially with the processing units to supply fur thereto in substantially flat layers of predetermined thickness and weight. I further provide automatic control means whereby the fur-supply unit, after supplying fur to one processing unit, is automatically made to travel to the next to supply fur thereto, and then to the next and so on until all of the processing units have been supplied. After the supply unit has left the first processing unit and is supplying fur to the subsequent units, the first processing unit is working and felting the fur into a completed hat body, and the same is true of the other processing units.

Preferably each processing unit comprises a felting stand, a crown-forming stand and a discharge stand or bench, arranged in a row in the order named, and further comprises three overhead hoods mounting preforated fur-engageable members, the hoods being also arranged in a row and rigidly connected together, and having the same spacing as the stands. The overhead hoods are mounted for four-directional simultaneous movement, and may be made to descend and simultaneously overlie the felting and crownforming stands and the supply unit when the latter is at the processing unit, or to overlie the three stands of the processing unit. That is, the hoods have two different, lowered positions one of which includes the supply bin and the other of which excludes the bin. When the bin is included, it supplies fur to one of the overhead hoods while the other hoods are picking up processed and formed felt pads or blanks. When the bin is excluded, the hoods are active in the processing of the fur into the pads.

The movements of the hoods are automatically controlled, as is also the operation of agitating means and means for supplying hot water to the fur, located at the felting and crown-forming stands. By this organization the aforementioned method'of the invention may be automatically, quickly and economically carried out.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of the improved hat-making apparatus of the invention, drawn to a greatly reduced scale, showing six separate but identical fur-processing units and one traveling fur-supply unit for servicing the processing units.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of one of the fur-processing units and of the fur-supply unit shown in Fig. 1, taken on the line 22 of this figure, the supply unit being shown adjacent the first processing unit, and the scale being slightly enlarged over that of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the processing unit shown in Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows 3-3 of this figure.

Fig. 4-. is a plan view of one fur-processing unit with the fur-supply unit adjacent it; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the control mechanism of the apparatus.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the improved hatmaking apparatus of this invention comprises a plurality of fur-processing units ||J through [5 arranged in spaced, side-by-side relation, and a single fur-supply unit It for consecutively servicing or supplying each of the aforesaid processing units. The processing units In through I5 are disposed along a track over which the fur-supply unit I6 travels; for this purpose it is provided with wheels l8.

Motivation of the supply unit I6 is accomplished by a reversible motor l9 driving, through a gear reduction 20, a chain 2| extending along and below the track l1, said chain having an upstanding coupling member or link 22 extending through a slot 23 in the floor 24 of the building structure which houses the apparatus. The link 22 is connected to the underside of the fursupply unit l6 as shown in Fig. 1, thereby providing a driving connection between the chain 2| and unit. The transmission between the motor l9 and the chain 2| includes a clutch 25, Fig. 5, actuated by a lever 26.

The fur-supply unit It includes a fur storage bin 21, having an inlet opening 28 in its top, which is normally closed by doors 29. The storage bin 21 is connected with a supply or transfer bin 30, which has in its top a circular discharge opening 3|, and has pairs of semicircular shutters 32 and 33 adapted to close said discharge opening independently of each other.

The shutters 32 are carried by pivoted arms 34 connected through rods 34a with operating arms 35, the latter being connected by links 36 with a piston 31 carried in a cylinder 38. The shutters 33 are carried by pivoted arms 39 connected by means of rods 39a with operating arms 49 which are in turn actuated by links 4| connected to a piston 42 in a cylinder 43. As shown in Fig. 2, the shutters 32 are disposed in a horizontal plane located above the horizontal plane of the shutters 33.

Fur which is in the supply bin is continually agitated by a fan 44 driven by a motor 45 mounted on the exterior of the bin. Transfer of fur from the storage bin 21 to the supply bin 30 is effected through an opening 46 in the common wall 4'! between the two bins, the opening 46 being normally closed except when fur is being transferred. Any suitable closure for the opening 46 may be provided. It is preferable that the supply bin 30 contain at all times a predetermined fixed amount of fur except when it is in process of transferring fur to a processing unit, and such amount may be controlled by any suitable means (not shown), details of which are not included in the present invention. It is intended, however, that for each quantity of fur which is discharged and transferred from the transfer bin 36 through the discharge opening 3| thereof to a processing unit, an equal quantity will be later deposited in said bin from the storage bin 21 through the transfer opening 46 in the wall 41 between the bins.

The processing units |U through l5 are identical to each other, each comprising a platform 48 having a felting stand or station 49, a forming stand or station 50 and a discharge stand or station 5|. The stands 49, 50 and 5| are located in a row on the platform 48, and are spaced apart equal distances, and the. stand 49 is spaced from the discharge opening 3| of the transfer bin 30, when the latter is alongside of the station 49, the same distance as the spacing between the stands.

The felting stand 49, which is the place where the fur is initially worked, comprises a perforated, flat plate 52 set across the top of a basin 53 in which a circular spray pipe 54 having orifices 55 is mounted. The orifices 55 are located to direct fluid such as hot water from the spray pipe 54 upward against the underside of the plate 52. At its bottom the basin 53 has a drain pipe 56. Hot water under pressure is supplied t the spray pipe 54 by a supply pipe 5'! controlled by a valve 51a.

The perforated plate 52 is carried in a circular frame 58 and is reciprocated edgewise, that is, in its own plane by means of a motor 58 having an eccentric 68 engaged by a fork 6| of a pivoted lever 62 which makes a driving connection with the frame 58 as clearly shown in Fig. 2. The frame 58 is recessed into the platform 48 and movably carried in said recess to permit such reciprocation, as Will be well understood.

The forming stand 50 comprises a perforated plate 63 having a large center opening 64 to admit a perforated crown-shaped forming member 65 mounted in a basin 66 for vertical reciprocative movement. The member 65 is carried by a plunger 61 connected with a piston 68 mounted inside of a cylinder 69, the latter being mounted on a cross member or strut 16 secured to the side walls of the basin 66. The forming member 65 may thus be moved upwardly through the opening 64 in the plate 63, to project a substantial distance above the plate, and during such upward or advancing movement it may be reciprocated, as will be later brought out in detail. A circular spray pipe H is also mounted in the basin 66 to encircle the member 65, the spray pipe having orifices 12 for directing hot water upwardly against the member 65 and against the underside of the perforated plate 63. The spray pipe 1| is supplied with hot water under pressure from a supply pipe 13 having a control valve 14.

The perforated plate 63 is carried in a frame 1'5 which is recessed in the platform 48, the frame being horizontally movable between limits and being reciprocated by a pivoted lever 16 having a fork Tl engaged by an eccentric l8 driven from a motor 19. The basin 66 has a drain pipe at its bottom, connected with the drain pipe 56. The discharge bench or stand 5| comprises merely a flat table surface 8| on the platform 48.

Each fur-processing unit also comprises a plurality of hoods 82, 83 and 84 respectively connected with telescopic two-part risers 85, 86 and 81 joined at their top ends with a manifold pipe 88. The risers 85, 86 and 81 have outer parts or sleeves 89, 90 and 9| to the lower portions of which the hoods are fixedly secured, said sleeves being mounted by studs 92 and cushion spring 920. on a horizontal frame 93 sliding on vertical guide rods 94 anchored at their top ends to a carriage 95. The carriage 95 has wheels 96 riding on overhead tracks 91 secured by hangers 98 to the ceiling 99 of the building structure which houses the apparatus. The tracks 91 extend over the platform 48 and enable the hoods 82, 83 and 84 to be brought into registration respectively either with the felting stand 49, forming stand 50 and discharge bench 5|, or with the discharge opening 3| of the transfer bin 30, the felting stand 49 and the forming stand 58. Registration of the hood 82 with the discharge opening 3| 5 v of the transfer bin 30 is indicated in Fig. 2 by the broken outlines I and IOI.

The frame 93 and the hoods 82, 83 and 84 carried thereby may be moved vertically from the position shown in Fig. 2 downward to a position wherein the hoods cover or overlie the stands 49, 50 and I. These lowered positions of the hoods are indicated by broken outlines in Fig. 2. When the carriage is shifted to the left from the position shown in Fig. 2, so as to bring the hood 82 into registration with the discharge opening 3| of the transfer bin 30 (indicated by the broken outline I00) it may be again lowered, and this lowered position wherein the hood is directly on top of the bin 30 is indicated by a second broken outline. For such position the hoods 83 and 84 will be respectively overlying the felting stand 49 and the forming stand 50.

Movement of the carriage 95' along the tracks 91 is hydraulically controlled, being eifected by a cylinder I02 mounted on the carriage, containing a piston I03 joined to a piston rod I04 which is fixedly attached to one of the hangers 98 for the tracks 91.

The manifold 88 of the hoods is carried bystraps I05 from which depend piston rods I06 having pistons I0! contained in cylinders I08 which are at their upper ends secured to the horizontal frame 93. Vertical movement of the frame 93 and hoods 82, 83 and 84, together with the sleeves 89, 90 and 9I may thus be hydraulically controlled by means of the pistons I 01 and. cylinders I08.

The hood 82 forms part of a fur-collecting head, and for this purpose the bottom of the hood is provided with a perforated, flat plate or support I09, extending across its mouth. The bottom of the hood 83 also has a perforated plate I I0, in the form of a hat mold, and the bottom of the hood 84 has a hollow perforated transfer member III similar to the hat mold H0.

The upper or inner portions of the risers 85, 86 and 81 are provided with butterfly valves II2 actuated by solenoids II3, HM and H3?) whereby energization of any of the latter opens the associated valve or valves. Closing of the valves is effected by return springs I I 4. The right-hand end of the manifold 88 slidably fits in a sleeve I I5 carried by a hanger I I8, the sleeve I I 5 being sta-'- tionary and connected with a vacuum pump (not shown) whereby lower air pressures may be produced in the risers 85, 88 and 81 and the hoods 82, 83 and 84 when the butterfly valves II2 are open.

For effecting automatic controls of the movements of the hood assemblage, limit switches I I1 and I I8 are mounted on the underside of the horizontal frame 93, for engagement with arms II9 carried by the guide rods 94, such engagement occurring when the frame 93 is in lowered position. Limit switches I and I2I are carried by the inner, telescoping part of the riser 86 for engagement by the frame 93 when the latter is in the raised position shown in Fig. 2. Limit switches I22 and I23 are carried by the ceiling surface 99 of the building structure, for engage ment with an upstanding arm I24 on the carriage 95 when the latter is respectively in its extreme left and right positions.

, The pistonI03 and cylinder I02 are controlled by a solenoid-operated valve I25; likewise the pistons I81 and cylinders I08 are controlled by a solenoid-operated valve I26, see Figs. 2 and 5. Referring to the forming table or stand 50, the

piston 68 and cylinder .69 are controlled by a solenoid-operated valve I21.

In accordance with the present invention a novel method is provided for forming hat bodies, said method being conveniently and effectively carried out by the apparatus described above, in conjunction with automatic control means shortly to be described. The improved method will now be described in conjunction with the apparatus set forth above, although it should be understood that the method may be carried out 'by hand or by apparatus other than that shown and described. The control means mentioned causes the fur-supply unit IE to automatically service each of the processing units I0 through I5 sequentially. In doing this, the fur supply unit I8 travels back and forth along the track I'I provided for it, and dwells at each of the processing units I0 through I5 for a predetermined length of time.

When the supply unit I6 is at one of the proc-v essing units, the hoods 82, 83 and 84 will be lowered respectively over the transfer bin 30, the felting stand 49 and the forming stand 50, and will dwell in said position for a predetermined length of time during which the shutters 32 and 33 are actuated to enable a predetermined amount of fur to be deposited on the underside of the fiat support I09 of the hood 82. In effect ing such deposit of fur, the lowered air pressure in the manifold 88 is utilized, by openingof the associated butterfly valve H2. The hoods 82, 83 and 84 are then raised and shifted to the right, to the position shown in Fig. 2, and. again lowered. A mat or pad I28 of fur, which has been deposited on and retained by the support I09 will therefore be disposed between the support I09 and the perforated plate 52 of the felting stand 49.

The hoods '82, 83 and 84 will dwell for an interval of time in their lowered positions respectively over the stands 49, 50 and 5!, during which interval the pad I28 will be felted and compacted by agitation of the plate 52 and application of hot water to the fur, from the orifices 55. The felted and compacted pad I28 will be allowed to remain on the plate '52 (effected by closure-of the valve H2 in the riser 85, which shuts off the vacuum from the hood 82) while the hoods 82, 83 and 84 are raised and again shifted to the left and thereafter lowered. The pad I28 on the stand 49 will now be picked up by the suction of the hood 83, and when the hoods. are again raised, shifted to the right and lowered, the pad I28 will be disposed under the hat mold I I0 and will be subjected to the action of the forming member 85 and further felted, to produce a crown in the pad. This is effected by intermittent raising movementsof the member 65 plus the application of hot water from the orifices I2 and agitation of the plate 83.

The crowned pad is allowed to remain on the plate 83 of the forming stand 50, by shutting off suction from the hood 83, and the hoods 82,, 83 and 84 are again raised, shifted to the left, and lowered whereupon the crowned pad will be picked up by the suction of the hood 84. While this is occurring, the hood 83 will be picking up another fiat felted pad from the stand 49 and the hood 82 will be having fur deposited on the underside of the support I89. During the next operation of raising the hoods, shifting them to the right and lowering them, the crowned pad carried by the hood 84 will be deposited on the discharge bench 8I, from which it may be readily removed by hand. W I

The apparatus is so arranged that after the processing unit I5 has been supplied with a quantity of fur under the hood 82, the fur-supply unit I6 will move to the next processing unit I4 to supply this unit with fur; meanwhile the unit I5 will be processing the fur which has been supplied to it, in the manner briefly described above. From the unit I4, the fur-supply unit I6 moves to the processing unit I 3, then to the unit I2, the unit II and the unit I0, after which it is returned to the unit I5 to provide a second quantity of fur. Thus the processing units I through I are supplied in rotation, and the processing of the fur is preferably timed with the number of processing units employed and the time required to transfer the fur from the supply bin to the units, so as to most economically utilize the equipment.

The automatic control means of the present hat-making apparatus is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5. In this figure at the left, the fursupply unit I6 is indicated by a broken rectangular outline, inside of which the pistons 31, 42 and cylinders 38, 43 are depicted. These pistons and cylinders are controlled respectively by valves I29 and I30 actuated by solenoids I3I, I32, I33 and I34. A limit switch I35 is arranged to be closed whenever the piston 31 is in its rightmost position as shown, and to be open whenever the piston is shifted from said position to the left.

A S. P. D. T. limit switch I36 is provided on the top of the transfer bin 30, Figs. 2, 4 and 5, to be actuated by an arm I31 on the hood 82 when the latter is lowered over the supply bin 30, and a switch I36a is mounted on the bin 30, and arranged to be momentarily closed by the hood 82 whenever it ascends from the bin. Also, a switch I38, Figs. 4 and 5, is mounted on the top of the bin 30, to be actuated by a lug I39 on the platform 40 when the supply unit I6 arrives at the proper position adjacent a processing unit.

The fur-supply unit l6 also carries a pair of current pickup shoes I40 and MI adapted to engage rails I42 and I43 respectively, extending for the full length of the track I1. The unit I6 in addition mounts three electric brushes I44, I45 and I46 adapted to engage cooperable contacts I41, I48 and I49 respectively, said contacts being provided on each processing unit.

Each one of the processing units I0 through I5 has a switch I50 mounted on the platform 48, actuated by a projection I5'I on the side of the supply unit i6 when the latter is at the processin unit.

In the upper part of Fig. 5 the piston I03 and cylinder I02 are diagrammatically indicated, also the solenoid valve I25, which is actuated by solenoids I52 and I53. The limit switches I22 and I23 for the carriage 95 are also indicated in the upper portion of Fig. 5, and the solenoid-operated butterfly valves II2. Limit switches H1, H8, I20 and I2I associated with lowering and raising the horizontal frame 93 which carries the hoods 82, 83 and 84, are shown associated with the pistons I01 and cylinders I08. The lowering and raising of the pistons I0! is controlled by a solenoidvalve I54 actuated by solenoids I55 and I56. Below the solenoid valve I54 the valve I21 is pictured, operated by solenoids I51 and I58. Fluid for actuating the pistons and cylinders of the processing units is supplied under pressure by a pump I59 and tank I60. To provide pulsations in the fluid supply to the cylinder 69, to intermittently raise the forming member 65 at the forming stand 50, a cylinder I6I is connected in the supply line I62 of the cylinder 69, and a piston I63 in the cylinder I6I is reciprocated by an eccentric I64 driven by an electric motor I65. It should be noted that the piston I63 and cylinder I6I enable the member 65 to have retrograde movements, which are of lesser magnitude than its advancing movements.

Considerin the felting stand 49 and forming stand 50, the valves 14 and 51a controlling the supply of hot water thereto are controlled by solenoids I66 and I51, energized through manually operated switches I68 and I69. Both said solenoids are connected to a common supply wire I10 which also connects with the motors 59 and 19 for reciprocating the plates 52 and 63 respectively.

Control of the components set forth above is mainly effected by a drum I1I, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5 as a rectangular development of the drum surface, said drum being driven by a motor I12 and having contact segments I13 through I81 respectively, cooperable with brushes I88 through 202. The contact segment I13 15 a. supply segment for connection with the line, and is connected to all of the other contact segments, as shown. The various segments on the drum have different lengths and positions as indicated, and for the starting position shown only the segment I13 is in contact with the brush I88. Advancing movement of the drum is the same as traversing the segments from right to left by the brushes.

The electrical connections between the various components of the control mechanism are as follows: Current is supplied by two lines 203 and 204. Line 203 is connected by a wire 205 with the motor I9, through a reversing and stop-start switch 206, which is connected by a wire 201 with the line 204. A wire 206 connects the line 203 with a solenoid 209 which is arranged to actuate the clutch lever 26 against the action of a return spring 2I0. The solenoid 209 is connected by a wire 2 with the current conducting rail I43, and the associated rail I42 is connected by a wire 212 with the line 204. The current-collecting shoes I40 and MI are connected by wires 2 I3 and 2I4 respectively to a contact 2I5 and cooperable contact blade 2I6 of the switch I36a. Also, the collecting shoes I40 and MI are connected to the terminals of the switch I38. The blade 2I1 of the switch I36 is connected by a wire 2I8 with the solenoids I33 and I34, and with the brush I45. The remaining end of the solenoid I34 is connected by a wire 2I9 with the brush I46, and the remaining brush I44 is connected by a wire 220 with ends of the solenoids I 3I and I32. The wire 220 also connects with one terminal of the limit switch I35 the other terminal of which is connected by a wire 22I with the remaining end of the solenoid I33. The remaining end of the solenoid I32 is connected by a wire 222 to one contact of the limit switch I36, the opposite contact of said switch being connected by a wire 223 to the remaining end of the solenoid I 3|.

The ply unit I6 has a hydraulic system comprising a tank'224, motor and pump unit 225 and fluid supply line 226 leading from th pump unit to branches 221 and 228 which respectively connect with the valves I29 and I30. The valves I29 and I30 have discharge lines 229 and 230 emptying into the tank 224. Hydraulic lines 23I and 232 connect the valve I30 with the cylinder 43, and lines 233 and 234 connect the cylinder 38 with the valve I29.

The valves I29 and I30 have spools 235, 236,

9. 237 and 238 which are actuated by the solenoids I3I through I34 in a manner well understood, to selectively connect the hydraulic lines of the hydraulic system, as will be described below in more detail.

The switch I38 is normally closed, being open only whenever the supply unit I6 is at a processing unit. Also, the limit switch I36 is normally in the position shown, and is actuated to its other position whenever the hood 82 descends over the transfer bin 35. The limit switch I55 is normally open, and is closed whenever .the piston 37 is inthe rightmost position shown in Fig. 5.

The main electric supply line 204 is also connected by a wire 239 with the motor I72, the latter having its other terminal connected by a wire 245 with the switch I55. From the switch I50 a wire 2-II connects with the supply line 203. The switch I55 is normally open, and is closed whenever the supply unit I6 is at the processing unit.

The wire 245 is connected by a wire 242 with the brush 202, and this constitutes a holding circuit for the motor I-7-2 which operates to carry the drum. I7I through a complete revolution after the drum has been initially started by closing of the switch I50. In other words, after the supply unit It leaves the processing unit, thus opening the switch I50, the drum I7I will continue to rotate and complete its revolution because of the holding circuit established between the drum segment I87 and the brush 252. Upon the segment I87 leaving the brush 252, the drum I7I will come to a halt and will not be again started until the supply unit I6 again returns to the processing unit. Such return, however, will automatically again start up the drum and cause it to carry through another cycle of operations.

Connections to the brushes I89 through 20I of the drum, and the associated connections are as follows: The brush I89 is connected by a wire 243 to one contact'244 of the limit switch I23. The brush I50 is connected by a Wire 245 with one end of the solenoid H31) and with a contact 245 of the limit switch I2I. The brush I9I is connected by a wire 247 with one end of the solenoid II3a and with another contact 258 of the limit switch I2I. The brush I92 is connected by a wire 2:79 with one end of the solenoid I I3 and with a third contact 2550f the limit switch- I2I. The brush I93 is connected by a wire 25I with a contact 252 of the limit switch 'I I8 and with a contact 253 of thelimit switch I22. Thebrush 194 is connected by a wire 254 with all three blade contacts of the switch I2I. The brush I95 is connected by a wire 255 to one terminal of the switch I59 and of the motor '79 which reciprocates the perforated plate 53 of the forming stand 55. The brush I95 is connected by a wire 256 to one terminal of the switch I68 and with the motor 59 which reciprocates the perforated plate 52 at the felting stand 49. The brush I97 is connected by a wire 257 to one end of the solenoid I55. The brush I98 is connected by a wire 258 to one terimnal of the limit switch II7, and the brush I99 is connected by a wire 255 to one end of the solenoid I57. The brush 2% is connected by a wire 26!] to one end of the solenoid I58, and the brush 2M connected by a end of the solenoid, I55. The other end of the solenoid I56 is connected by a wire 264 with one end of the solenoid I53, the other end of which is connected by a wire 265 with a second contact 265 of the limit switch H8. The three remaining ends of the solenoids I I3, H312 and H37) are connected together by a wire 257 which connects with one terminal of the limit switch I20 and also with one end of the solenoid I52. The other end of the solenoid I52 is connected by a wire 258 with the remaining terminal of the limit switch H7.

The remaining terminals of the motors 59 and 75, and of the solenoids I65 and I59 are all connected together by a wire 269 which connects with the remaining end of the solenoid I555. The remaining ends of the solenoids I55 and I57 are also connected to the wire 267, which is also joined to the wire 2I2. A wire 275 connects the wire 257 with the contact I 58, and the wire 27!) also connects with one terminal of the motor I55 the other terminal of which is connected by a wire 27I to the wire 2-55. The contact I I? is connected by a wire 272 to the wire 252.

It will be understood that the limit switches I I7, II8, I25, I2I, I22 and I23 are normally open except when actuated by their respective operators.

The hydraulic control system of the processing unit shown in Fig. 5 includes a tank 273 and a motor and pump unit 27 3, the latter having a delivery line 275 connected by branches 276, 277 and 278 to the valves I27, I55 and I25 respectively. Fluid supply lines 279 and 285 extend from the valve I25 to the cylinder I52. Fluid supply lines 2M and 282 extend from the valve I54 to the cylinders I28, and fluid supply lines 283 and I62 extend from the valve I 27 to the cylinder 59.

The valves I25, I54 and I27 have, respectively, discharge lines 284, 285 and 285 connecting with a main discharge pipe 287 which returns fluid to the tank 273.

Operation of the apparatus described above is as follows: Considering Figs. 1 and 4, the storage bin 27 of the fur-supply unit I 6 is first filled with fur, by opening the door 29. A predetermined quantity of fur is then transferred from the bin 27 to the bin 35 through the opening 55 in the partition wall 47 separting the bins. The opening 45 is closed and the blower 25, 25 set into operation, causing the fur in the supply bin 35 to be continually agitated and to be uniformly dispersed in the bin. During this procedure the upper shutters 32 of the bin 30 are closed, and the lower shutters are open.

Referring to Fig. 5, assume that the lines 203 and 254 are supplied with current. The operator now starts the pump and motor units 275 of the processing units IIl through I5 and closes the switches I 68 and IE9 of said units. He then closes the switch 255, causing the motor I9 to be energized and driving the supply unit I5 from right to left as viewed in Fig. 1. When the supply unit I5 reaches theprocessing unit I5 the switch I38 will be opened, the switch I55 closed and the brushes I44, I45 and I46 will engage respectively the contacts I47, I48 and I45. Opening of the switch I58 will result in de-energization of the solenoid 259 enabling the spring M5 to become operative to disconnect the clutch 25. This is the control which positions the fur-supply unit I5 adjacent the processing units, and the supply v unit will thus .be halted in operative position at the first processing unit I5.

Closing of the switch I55 energizes the drum driving motor I72, causing rotation of the drum I ll. Immediately upon the drum I1I startin to turn, the drum segment I18 will engage the brush I93. This will energize the solenoid I53, shifting the valve 129 to the right and causing the carriage 95 to be advanced from right to left. In tracing this circuit, it will be seen that current flows through the line wire 2 8 and the drum segment Iiii to the segment I18, thence through the brush I93 and wire 25:, switch H8 and wire 265 to the solenoid i53. The return of the solenoid includes the wires 261 and 2I2, connecting with the line wire 294.

When the carriage reaches its leftmost position it closes the limit switch I22, energizing the solenoid 56 and shifting the valve I54 to the right. This will cause the frame 93 and the risers and hoods carried thereby to start downward in their leftmost positions. Drum segments I19 and I81 will thereafter shortly come into contact with the brushes I84 and 292. Contact between segment I81 and brush 292 results in a holding circuit being established through the motor I12, as already explained, maintaining the motor energized after the switch I56 has been opened in response to departure of the supply unit I6 from the processing unit at a later time. In consequence of this the drum i1I will be carried through one complete revolution, until segment I81 breaks from brush 202.

Engagement of the segment I19 with the contact I94 brings current to the blade contacts of the limit switch I2I controlling the solenoids I I3, II3a and I I92) which actuate the butterfly valves I I2. These valves are normally closed as shown. Upon further advance of the drum I?! the segment I18 will leave its associated contact 593. Shortly after this occurs, the frame 93 will attain its lowermost and leftmost position, placing the hoods 82, 83 and 84 respectively over the bin 39, felting stand 49 and forming stand 50. This will close the limit switches I29 and I2I, the latter causing energization of the solenoids I I3, I I366 and H31) and opening the butterfly valves II2 whereby suction is established in the hoods 82, 83 and 84. Closing of the switch I20 will connect the electrical return circuit of the control to the motors 59, 19, and to the Solenoids I66 and I61, preparatory to these being energized later. Also, the hood 82 when in lowered position will actuate the switch I36 carried on the bin 39, causing contact to be established between the wires 2I8 and 222 and energizing the solenoid I32 on the supply unit. This will shift the valve I29 to the right, causing the piston 31 to be driven to the left and opening the upper shutters 32 of the bin so that fur will. be withdrawn from the latter.

After this occurs, and upon further rotation of the drum I1I, the segments I15, I16 and I11 will engage respectively the contacts I90, I9I and I92. Such engagement establishes holding circuits for the solenoids I I3, I I3a and I I3b, maintaining the butterfly valves II2 open. Additional movement of the drum I1I will cause the segment I19 to separate from the contact I94, disconnecting the limit switch I2I from its source of supply. Still further rotation of the drum will cause the segment I84 to be brought into contact with the brush I99, resulting in energization of the solenoid I51. This will shift the valve I21 to the left and will cause hydraulic fluid to enter the top of the cylinder 69, lowering the forming member 85 from the position shown in Fig. 5. As the drum I1I continues to rotate the segment I84 will be disconnected from the contact I99. Meanwhile fur is being collected on the underside of the sup- 12 port plate I09 of the hood 82, due to the suction in the hood sucking the fur from the supply bin 30, and this will continue while the drum I1I advances further. The drum segment I86 will ;now be brought in contact with the contact MI, and this will energize the solenoid I34 of the supply unit I6, shifting the valve I30 to the right and causing the lower shutters 33 of the bin to be closed, discontinuing pickup of fur from the bin by the hood 82. The interval between the time that the hood 82 descends on the bin 30 and the time that the segment I86 engages the contact 20I is chosen to enable a predetermined desired amount of fur to be deposited on the underside of the support plate I09. As the drum continues to rotate further the segment I82 will engage the contact I91, and this will cause energization of the solenoid I55, shifting the valve I54 to the left and forcing hydraulic fluid through the line 28I to the tops of the cylinders I09, thus raising the frame 93 and the risers and hoods carried thereby. As the hood 82 rises, the switch I36 will be actuated to connect together the wires 2 I8 and 223, energizing the solenoid I3I and shifting the valve I29 to the left, thereby closing the top shutters 32, and this in turn will result in the bottom shutters opening, due to closing of the switch I35. Also, as the hood 82 rises it will momentarily close the switch I36a, energizing the solenoid 209 and actuating the clutch 25 whereby the fur-supply unit I6 will be caused to leave the processing unit I 5. Such departure will'be accompanied by closing of the switch I38 which will maintain the solenoid 209 energized until the supply unit I6 reaches the next processing unit. Practically at the same time the drum segment I86 will disengage the associated contact 20 I and shortly after this the drum segment I83 will engage the contact I98. Such engagement energizes the limit switch H1, and when the frame 93 reaches its uppermost limit of movement and closes the limit switch II1, this will cause energization of the solenoid I52, shifting the valve I25 back to the left. This in turn will cause the carriage 95 to start retracting to the right. During such retraction continued rotation of the drum I1I will result in the segments I82 and I83 disengaging, in the order named, their respective contacts I91 and I98, and thereafter the drum segment I14 will be brought in engagement with the contact I89. This will energize the limit switch I23, and when said switch is closed by the carriage 95 reaching its rightmost position shown, the solenoid I56 will be energized, shifting the valve I54 to the right and causing hydraulic fluid to enter the lower portions of the cylinders I08 and causing the frame 93 to start a descent. At the termination of such descent, turning of the drum I1I will bring the drum segments I80, I8I and I in engagement with their respective contacts I95, I96 and 200. These engagements will cause energization of the agitator motors 59 and 19, and of the solenoids I 86 and I61 which actuate the valves 58 and 14. Also energization of the solenoid I 58 will be effected, shifting the valve I21 to the right and causing hydraulic fluid to enter the cylinder 69 and slowly raise the forming member 65. Pulsations will be imparted to said fluid by the piston I63 driven by the motor I65, which is energized concurrently with the motor 19 and solenoid I61. The flow of fluid into the cylinder 69 will be controlled by a relief valve (R. V.) inserted in the hydraulic line I62, whereby the member 65 will be raised at a predetermined relatively slow rate. At the same time that this is happening the drum segment I15 will separate from its associated contact I99, de-energizing the solenoid H32) and closing the associated butterfly valve I I 2. This will shut off the vacuum from the riser 81 and the hood 84, and will result in the hood dropping the formed hat body which ithas picked up from the forming stand 59,on the discharge bench I.

With the hoods 82, 83 and 84 lowered in rightmost positions, the layer'of fur which is carried by the support I99 will be worked, and subjected to hot water and steam at the felting table or stand 49, and will be compacted and felted over an interval of time into a pad having a certain amount of body; also the felted pad which was previously picked upfrom the stand 49 by the hood 83 will have a crown formed in it by the member 65, since it is subjected to opposing forces on its central and outer portions, and also to hot water and further agitation.

While this is occurring, further rotation of the drum "I will cause disengagement between the segments I14 and I85 and their associated contacts I89 and 299. After aninterval has elapsed which is sufiicient to enable the'fur at the station 49 to be sufiicientl'y felted, the drum in its rotation will cause the segment I11 to disengage the contact I92, de-energizing the solenoid H3 and resulting in the associated butterfly valve I I2 closing. This will shut off the vacuum from the hood 82, and will result in the felted pad at the stand 49 remaining thereonafter thehood' 82 has been raised from said stand. Also, the drum I1I will separate the segment I8I from the contact I96, de-energizing the agitator motor 59 and the solenoid I96 and closing the valve 51a. I

After a further interval has elapsed which is suflicient to enable the member 95 to completely form a crown in the hat body, the drum I1I will by its rotation disengage the segment I16 from the contact I9I, fde-energizing the solenoid 3a and closing the associated butterfly valve IIZ. Vacuum will be shut off from the hood 83, thereby enabling the formed hat body to remain on the forming stand 59 when the hood is raised from said table. The drum rotation will also cause disengagement of the segment I89 from the contact I95, de-energizing the motor 19 and the solenoid I61, thereby inactivating the forming stand 59. Upon this occurring, segment I82a on the drum will engage the contact.I91, resulting in energization of the solenoid I55, shiftingthe valve I54 to the left and causingthe frame .93 to be raised. Further rotation of. the drum-Ill will disengage the segment I 82a from the contact I91, and thereafter disengagethe segment I81 from the contact 292, and this latter will de-energize the drum driving motor I12 and willhalt the drum. 9

The processing unit will thus automatically come to rest after completion of a cycle, and will remain at rest for a short period, until the supply unit I6 again returns.

During the processing of the furby the unit I5, the unit I6 is supplying fur to the remaining units I9 through I4, and the time of processing is preferably slightly less than the'time required for the unit IE to service the remaining, five processing units, so that the time during which any one processing unit is at restis held to a minimum.

After the supply unit I8 has serviced the processing unit I9 the operator reverses. the motor I9 and brings the supply unit back to the'starting position shown in Fig. 1, to receive a new supply of fur.

It will be understood that-when the hoods 82, 93 and 84 are in their leftmost, lowermost posi tions wherein fur is deposited on the underside of the support plate I99, the hood 83' will be picking up the felt pad which was previously left on the stand 49 by the hood 82, and the hood 84 will be picking up the formed pad which was previously left on the stand 59 by the hood 83. Also, when the hoods are in their rightmost,

lowermost positions the fur which has been deposited on the underside of the support I99'will be felted'at the stand 49 at the same time that the felted pad carried by the hood 83 is being formed at the forming stand 59, and the hood 84 will be discharging a formed hat body on the bench 5|, which it had previously picked up from the stand 59.

I have thus provided by the present invention an extremely simple and effective method of forming felt hat bodies, and a desirable appa ratus for carrying out said method. The method and apparatus are reliable, require a minimum of skill, and produce hat bodies of high uniform quality at a high production rate. Moreover, a minimum of labor is required in operating the apparatus of the invention.

The timing of the various steps in the method may obviously be made to suit specific conditions. I have described herein one complete cycle in the operation of my improved apparatus, with the various components actuated in a particular sequence, for purposes of illustration only.

If desired the water which isused at the felt ing stand 49 and forming stand 59 may be colored by means of suitable dyes, thereby to impart-coloring to the fur during the processing operation thereof. Accordingly, a finished hat body which is deposited on the bench 8] may be either partly or completely colored, depending on the requirements and the amount of coloring matter used in the Water. Inasmuch as a suction exists in the hoods 85 and 86, the colored water which is used in the felting operations will be sucked through the fur being felted, thereby permeating. the fur and providing for an even coloring of the hat body.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim: i

1. The method of makinga hat body from a substantially flat felt pad, which includes-the steps of applyingopposing pressures to outer portions of said pad to hold said portions in pre- 7 determined relative positions, applying pressure to the center portion of the pad in the direction .of one of said opposing pressures to displace said portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, agitating the pad, and applying heat and moisture to the pad all simultaneously, for the purpose of forming a crown in the pad.

2. The method of making a hat body from a substantially fiat felt pad, which includes the steps of applying opposing pressures to outer por tions ofsaid pad to hold said portions in predetermined relative positions, applying inter mittently pressure to the center portion of-the pad in the direction of one of said opposing pressures to dis lace aid portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, agitating the pad,

and applying hotwater to the pad, all simultaneously, for the purpose of forming a crown in the pad.

3. The method of making a hat body from a substantially flat felt pad, which includes the steps of applying opposing pressures to outer portions of said pad to hold said portions in predetermined relative positions applying pressure to the center portion of the pad in the direction of one of said opposing pressures to displace said portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, agitating the pad, and applying hot water to the pad, all simultaneously, for the purpose of forming a crown in the pad, and thereafter suckin air through said pad to remove moisture therefrom.

4. The method of making a hat body which includes the steps of disposing a predetermined amount of fur in a substantially flat layer, agitating said fur and simultaneously applying heat and moisture thereto to felt the fur into a com pressed substantially flat pad, and thereafter simultaneously agitating the pad, applying opposing pressures to outer portions of said pad to hold said portions in predetermined relative positions, applying pressure to the center portion of the pad in the direction of one of said opposing pressures to displace said portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, and applying heat and moisture to the pad, to form a crown therein.

5. The method of making a hat body from a substantially flat felt pad, which includes the steps of applying opposin pressures to outer portions of said pad to hold said portions in predetermined relative positions, applying pressure to the center portion of the pad in the direction of one of said opposing pressures to displace said portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, agitating the pad, and applying hot water to one side of the pad and sucking the water through the pad, all simultaneously, for the purpose of forming a crown in the pad.

6. The method of making a hat body which includes the steps of disposing a predetermined amount of fur in a substantiallyflat layer, agitating said fur and simultaneously applying heat and moisture to one side of said layer and sucking said moisture through the layer, to felt the fur into a compressed substantially flat pad, and thereafter simultaneously agitating the pad, applying opposing pressures to outer portions of said pad to hold said portions in predetermined relative positions, applying pressure to the center portion of the pad in the direction of one of said opposing pressures to displace said portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, applying heat and moisture to one side of the pad and sucking said moisture through the pad, to form a crown therein.

7. The method of making a hat body which includes the steps of disposing a predetermined amount of fur in a substantially flat layer, agitating said fur and simultaneously applying hot water thereto to felt the same into a compressed substantially fiat pad, and thereafter simultaneously agitating the pad, applying opposing pressures to outer portions of said pad to hold said portions in predetermined relative positions, applying intermittently pressure to the center portion'of the pad in the direction of one of said opposing pressures to displace said portion laterally with respect to the outer portions and outside of the plane of said outer portions, and applying hot water to the pad, to form a crown therein.

8. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a substantially flat support; means for transferring fur from a supply to said support; control means rendering operative the said preceding means for a predetermined period of time, to deposit a predetermined amount of fur on said support; means for felting said fur into a substantially flat pad; means automatically rendering operative said felting means for a predetermined period of time, commencing after halting of said transferring means; means for applying opposing pressures to outer and center portions respectively of said pad; means for further felting said pad; and means automatically rendering operative the two immediately preceding means upon completion of felting of the fur into the'flat pad.

9. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising afur supply; means for removing fur from said supply and depositing it in a substantially flat, uniform layer; means rendering operative said preceding means for a predetermined period of time, to deposit a predetermined amount of fur in said layer; means for agitating said layer of fur; means automatically rendering operative said agitating means for a predetermined period of time, commencing after halting of said depositing means; means automatically applying heat and moisture to said fur during the agitating thereof, to felt the fur into a substantially flat pad; means for applying opposite pressures to outer and center portions respectively of said felted pad; means for agitating said felted pad; means for applying heat and moisture to said felted pad; and means automatically rendering operative said three immediately preceding means upon completion of felting 0f the fur into the fiat pad.

10. Apparatus for making hat bodies, compris ing a fur supply; means for removing fur from said supply and depositing it in a substantially fiat, uniform layer; means rendering operative said preceding means for a predetermined period of time, to deposit a predetermined amount of fur in said layer; means for agitating said layer of fur; means automatically rendering operative said agitating means for a predetermined period of time, commencing after halting of said depositing means; means automatically applying heat and moisture to said fur during the agitating thereof, to felt the fur into a substantially flat pad; means for transporting said felted pad to another location; means automatically rendering said transporting means operative after com pletion of felting of the fur into the pad; means for applying heat and moisture to said felted pad at said other location; means for applyin opposite pressures to outer and center portions respectively of said pad at said other location; and means automatically rendering operative said two immediately preceding means after transportion of the pad to said other location.

11. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur supply; means for removing fur from said supply and depositing it in a substantially fiat, uniform layer; means rendering operative said preceding means for a predetermined period of time, to deposit a predetermined amount of fur in said layer; means for transporting said layer of fur to asecond location; means rendering operative said transporting means after halting of said removing and depositing means; means at said second location for agitating said layer of fur; means automatically rendering operative said agitating means for a predetermined period of time, commencing after halting Of said transporting means; means automatically applying heat and moisture to said fur during the agitating thereof, to felt the fur into a substantially fiat pad; means for transporting said felted pad to a third location; means automatically rendering said pad-transporting means operative upon completion of the felting of said fur; means at said third location for agitating said felted pad;

means at said third location for applying heatand moisture to said pad; means at said third location for applying opposite pressures to outer and center portions respectively of said pad; and means automatically rendering operative said three immediately preceding means after transportation of the pad to said third location.

12. Apparatus formaking hat bodies, comprising means for disposing fur in a substantially flat, uniform layer, said means including a fursupply bin, a cooperable, hollow fur-collecting head having a perforated support, and means for producing reduced air pressure in said head to produce a suction at the support; means mounting said supply bin for movement between positions remote from and adjacent to said collecting head; means responsive to positioning of the supply bin adjacent the collecting head, rendering said suction-producing means operative for a predetermined period of time, to cause the deposit of a predetermined amount of fur on said support; means for felting said fur into a substantially flat pad; means automatically rendering operative said felting means for a predetermined period Of time, commencing after halting of said fur-disposing means; means for applying opposing pressures to outer and center portions respectively of said pad; means for further felting said pad; and means automatically rendering operative the two immediately preceding means upon completion of felting of the fur into the flat pad.

13. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin having a discharge opening; a plurality of spaced fur-processing units, each having means, including a fun-collecting head adapted to cooperate with said bin, for removing fur from the bin through the discharge opening thereof and supporting the fur in a substantially flat, uniform layer; means mounting said supply bin for movement to and from a plurality of perative positions respectively adjacent said furprocessing units; and a plurality of means associated respectively with the processing units, each responsive to positioning of the supply bin in operative position adjacent the associated processing unit, automatically rendering operative the fur-removing and supporting means of said processing unit.

14. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin having a discharge opening; a plurality of spaced fur-processing units, each having means, including a fur-collecting head adapted to cooperate with said bin, for removing imfrom the bin through the discharge opening thereof and supporting the fur in a substantially flat, uniform layer; means mounting said supply bin for movement to and from a plurality of operative positions respectively adjacent saidfur-processing units; a plurality of means associated respectively with the processing units, each responsive to positioning of the supply bin in operative position adjacent the associated processing unit, automatically rendering operative the fur-removing and supporting means of said processing unit; and means, automatically operative a predetermined time after any one of a plurality of said immediately preceding means becomes operative, moving said supply bin from one to another of said fur-processing units.

15. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin having a discharge opening; a shutter for closing said discharge opening; a plurality of spaced fur-processing units, each having means, including a fur-collecting head adapted to cooperate With said bin, for removing fur from the bin through the discharge opening thereof and supporting the fur in a substantially flat, uniform layer; means mounting said supply bin for movement to and from a plurality of 0perative positions respectively adjacent said furprocessing units; a plurality of means associated respectively with the processing units, each responsive to positioning of the supply bin in operative position adjacent the associated processing unit, automatically rendering operative the furremoving and supporting means of said processing unit; and means automatically closing said shutter a predetermined time after any one of said immediately preceding means becomes operative.

16. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin having a discharge opening; a shutter for closing said discharge opening; a plurality of spaced fur-processing units, each having means, including a fur-collecting head adapted to cooperate with said bin, for removing fur from the bin through the discharge opening thereof and supporting the fur in a substantially fiat, uniform layer; means mounting said supply bin for movement to and from a plurality of operative positions respectively adjacent said furprocessing units; a plurality of means associated respectively with the processing units, each re sponsive to positioning of the supply bin in operative position adjacent the associated processing unit, automatically rendering operative the furremoving and supporting means of said processing 1 unit; means automatically closing said shutter a predetermined time after any one of a plurality of said immediately preceding means becomes operative; and means automatically operative a predetermined time after each closing of said shutter, moving said supply bin from one to another of said fur-processing units.

17. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprissaid fur-processing units; a plurality of meansv associated respectively with the processing units, each responsive to positioning of the supply bin in operative position adjacent the associated processing unit, automatically rendering operative the fur-removing and supporting means of said processing unit; means automatically closing the lower shutter a predetermined time after any one of a plurality of said immediately preceding 19 means becomes operative; means, automatically: operative a predetermined time after each closingof said lower shutter, moving said supply bin from one. to another of said fur-processing units; means, automatically operative a predetermined time after each closing of said lower shutter, closing the upper shutter; and means automatically operative apredetermined time after closing of the upper shutter, opening the said lower shutter.

18. Apparatus for making hat bodies, compris ing a fur-supply bin having a top discharge opening; a pair of shutters one above theother, each arranged to individually close said discharge opening; a plurality of spaced fur-processing units, each having means, including a fur-collecting head adapted to cooperate with said bin, for removing fur from the bin through the discharge opening thereof and supporting the fur in a substantially flat, uniform layer; means mounting said supply bin for movement to and from a plurality of operative positions respectively adjacent said fur-processing units; a plurality of means associated respectively with the processing units, each respective to positioning of the supply bin in operative position adjacent the associated processing unit, automatically rendering operative the fur-removing and supporting means of said processing unit; means automatically closing the lower shutter a predetermined. time after any one'of a plurality of said immediately preceding means becomes operative; means, automatically operative a predetermined time after each closing of said lower shutter, moving said supply bin from one to another of said fur-processing units; means, automatically operative a predetermined time after each closing of said lower shutter, closing the upper shutter; and means responsive to closing of the upper shutter, opening the said lower shutter.

19. The invention as defined in claim in which the fur-supply bin has a discharge opening in its top and a shutter mechanism for closing said opening, and in which the means for disposing fur includes means moving and maintaining the fur-collecting head against the discharge opening of the bin, and includes means actuating the shutter mechanism to open the discharge opening during the time the head is against said opening.

20. Apparatus for making hat bodies, compris ing a fur-supply bin, a felting stand and aforming stand equispaced in a row; a substantially flatsupport, a hat mold and a recessed supporting member; means fastening together said support,- mold and member in line with each other and with a spacing equivalent to that of the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand; means mounting said fastening means for movement be tween a position wherein the support, mold and member are respectively at the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand, and a position wherein the support and mold are at the felting stand and forming stand respectively; means for transfer ring a predetermined amount of fur from thesupply bin to the support when the latter is at the bin; means for maintaining said fur on the support during movement of the support from the supply bin to the felting stand; means at the felting stand for felting the fur on the support into a substantially flat pad; means for transferring said pad from the felting stand to the hat mold when the mold is at said stand; means for fern. ing a crown in said transferred pad whenthe. mold and pad are at the forming stand; means for transferring said formed pad totherecessed.

supporting member when the latter is at the' forming stand; and means providing for discharge of, said formed pad from the recessed member when the latter is removed from the:

forming stand.

21. Apparatus formaking hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin, a felting stand and a forming stand equispaced in a row; means mounting the bin for movement from and to its position in said row;,a substantially flat support, a hat mold and a recessed supporting. member; means fastening together said support, mold and member in line with each other and with a spacing equivalent tothat of the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand; means mounting said fastening means for movement between a position wherein the support, mold and member are re-' spectively at the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand, and a position'wherein the support and mold are at the felt stand and forming stand respectively; cyclic means for moving said support, mold andrecessed member through a cycle whereinthey sequentiallyloccupy the preceding positions; means fortransferring a predetermined amount' of fur. from the supply bin to the support when the latter is at the bin;

mean for maintaining said fur on the support. during movement of the support from the supply bin to the felting stand; means at the felting stand for felting the fur'on the support into a,

substantially flat pad; means for transferring said pad, from the felting stand to the hat mold when the mold is at said stand; means for forming a crown in said transferred pad when the mold and pad are at the forming stand; means for transferring said formed pad to the recessed supporting member when the latterlis at. the forming. stand; means providing for discharge of said formed pad from the recessed member when the latter is removedfrom the formingv stand; and means responsive to positioning of the bin in said row, for activating said cyclic means.

22. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin, a felting stand and a forming stand equispaced in alrow; means mounting the bin for movement from and to its position respectively; cyclic means for moving said sup-' port, mold and recessed member through a cycle wherein they sequentiallyoccupy the preceding positions; means for transferring a predetermined amount of furfrorn the supply bin to the support when the latter is at the bin; means for maintaining said fur on the support during 'movement of the support from the supply bin to th felting stand; means for felting the fur on the support into a substantially fiat pad at the felting stand; means for transferring said pad from/the feltingstand to the hat mold when the mold is at said stand; means for forming a crown in said transferred pad when the mold and pad are at the forming stand; means for transferring said formed pad to the recessed supporting membar, when th latter is at the forming stand;

means providing for discharge of said formed pad from the recessed member when the latter is removed from the forming stand; means responsive to positioning of the bin in said row, for activating said cyclic means; and automatic means for moving said bin away from its position in said row a predetermined time after activation of said cyclic means.

23. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin, 3, felting tand and a forming stand equispaced in a row; means mounting the bin for movement from and to its position in said row, said bin having a discharge opening in its top; a Shutter mechanism for closing said opening; a substantially flat support, a hat mold and a recessed supporting member; means fastening together said support, mold and member in line with each other and with a spacing equivalent to that of the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand; means mounting said fastening means for movement between a posi tion wherein the support, mold and member are respectively at the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand, and a position wherein the support and mold are at the felting stand and forming stand respectively; cyclic means for moving said support, mold and recessed member through a cycle wherein they sequentially occupy the preceding positions; means for transferring a predetermined amount of fur from the supply bin to the support when the latter is at the bin, including means actuating the bin shutter mechanism to maintain the discharge opening of the bin open for a predetermined interval; means for maintaining said fur on the support during movement 01 the support from the supply bin to the felting stand; means for felting the fur on the support into a substantially flat ad at the felting stand; means for transferring said pad from the felting stand to the hat mold when the mold i at said stand; means for forming a crown in said transferred pad when the mold and pad are at the forming stand; means for transferring said formed pad to the recessed supporting member when the latter is at the forming stand; means providing for discharge of said formed pad from th recessed member when the latter is removed from the forming stand; and means responsive to positioning of the bin in said row, for activating said cyclic means.

24. Apparatus for making hat bodies, comprising a fur-supply bin, a felting stand and a forming stand equispaced in a row; means mounting the bin for movement fro-m and to its position in said row; a substantially flat support, a hat mold and a recessed supporting member; means fastening together said support, mold and member in line with each other and with a spacing equivalent to that of the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand; means mounting said fastening means for movement between a position wherein the support, mold and member are respectively at the supply bin, felting stand and forming stand, and a position wherein the support and mold are at the felting stand and forming stand respectively; cyclic means for moving said support, mold and recessed member through a cycle wherein they sequentially occupy the preceding positions for predetermined intervals of time; means automatically transferring a predetermined amount of fur from the supply bin to the support whenever the latter is brought to and maintained at the bin; means automatically maintaining fur on the support during movements of the support from the supply bin to the 2 2 felting stand; means automatically felting fur on the support into a substantially flat pad whenever the support is brought to and maintained at the felting stand; means automatically transferring a pad from-the felting stand to the hat mold whenever the mold is brought to and maintained at said stand; means automatically forming a crown in a transferred pad whenever the mold and pad are brought to and maintained at the forming stand; means-automatically transferring a formed pad to the recessed supporting member whenever the latter is brought to and maintained at the forming stand; and means providing for discharge of a formed pad from the recessed member whenever the latter is removed from the forming stand.

25. Means for forming a fiat, loosely felted pad into a crown shape, comprising a perforated member having the shape of a hat body, including crown and brim portions; a perforated flat member having a large opening in its center portion; means mounting the members for relative movement to enable them to be separated or brought together with the flat member broadside to the brim portion of the other member to hold a felted pad between them; a crown-shaped perforated member; means mounting the crownshaped member for movement through the opening of the flat member and into the crown portion of the first-named member when the latter and the fiat member are together; and means for directing hot liquid against at least one of said perforated members, to cause a further felting of the pad.

26. Means for forming a flat, loosely felted pad. into a crown shape, comprising a perforated member having the shape of a hat body, including crown and brim portions; a perforated fiat member having a large opening in its center portion; means mounting the members for relative movement to enable them to be separated or brought together with the flat member broadside to the brim portion of the other member to hold a felted pad between them; means for oscillating the flat member edgewise; a crown-shaped perforated member; means mounting the crownshaped member for movement through the opening of the fiat member and into the crown portion of the first-named member when the latter and the flat member are-together; power means for advancing said crown-shaped member throughout its path of movement; and means for directing hot liquid against at least one of said perforated members, to cause a further felting of the pad.

27. Means for forming a fiat, loosely felted pad into a crown shape, comprising a perforated member having the shape of a hat body, including crown and brim portions; a perforated flat member having a large opening in its center portion; means mounting the members for relative movement to enable them to be separated or brought together with the fiat member broadside to the brim portion of the other member to hold a felted pad between them; means for oscillating the flat member edgewise; a crown-shaped perforated member; means mounting the crownshaped member for movement through the opening of the fiat member and into the crown portion of the first-named member when the latter and the flat member are together; power means for intermittently advancing said crown-shaped member throughout its path of movement; and .means for directing hot liquidagainst at least one of said perforated members, to cause a further felting of the pad.

28. The inventon as defined in claim 27 in which the power means enables the crownshaped member to have retrograde movements of lessor magnitude than the advancing movements, and in which the hot liquid is directed against the flat member and crown-shaped member.

GEORGE T. BIRDSALL.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Pash Dec. 27, 1938 Birdsall Sept. 12, 1939 Birdsall Sept. 12, 1939 Anderson Apr. 9, 1940 Street Aug. 18, 1942 Evers June 1, 1948 

